Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Combo |
| Generation | Combo Life XL E |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5d (130 Hp) Start/Stop Automatic |
| Start of production | September, 2018 |
| End of production | January, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.6-4.8 l/100 km (51.1 – 49 US mpg, 61.4 – 58.9 UK mpg, 21.7 – 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.1-4.3 l/100 km (57.4 – 54.7 US mpg, 68.9 – 65.7 UK mpg, 24.4 – 23.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.3-4.5 l/100 km (54.7 – 52.3 US mpg, 65.7 – 62.8 UK mpg, 23.3 – 22.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 113-118 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 184 km/h (114.33 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 86.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1750 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D15DTH, F15DTH |
| Engine displacement | 1499 cm3 (91.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 850 l (30.02 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2693 l (95.1 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 17 l (4.49 US gal | 3.74 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Length | 4753 mm (187.13 in.) |
| Width | 1848 mm (72.76 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1921 mm (75.63 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2107 mm (82.95 in.) |
| Height | 1880 mm (74.02 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2977 mm (117.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1554 mm (61.18 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1568 mm (61.73 in.) |
| Front overhang | 892 mm (35.12 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 884 mm (34.8 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.5-11.8 m (37.73 – 38.71 ft.) |
| Wading depth | 620 mm (24.41 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16; 205/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
The Opel Combo Life XL E 1.5d (130 Hp) Start/Stop Automatic is a compact minivan produced by Opel (a subsidiary of Stellantis) from September 2018 to January 2022. Positioned as a practical and versatile family vehicle, it was part of the Combo Life XL E generation, built on the EMP2 platform shared with other Stellantis offerings like the Peugeot Rifter and Citroën Berlingo. This particular variant, equipped with the 1.5-liter diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, aimed to provide a balance between fuel efficiency, usability, and convenience for buyers seeking a spacious and adaptable vehicle. The “XL” designation indicates the longer wheelbase version, offering increased cargo capacity compared to the standard Combo Life.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Combo Life XL E 1.5d is the D15DTH or F15DTH engine, a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is part of Opel’s (and wider Stellantis) modular engine family. It utilizes a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler is employed to boost power and torque, providing 130 horsepower at 3750 rpm and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at a low 1750 rpm. The engine also incorporates a Start/Stop system to improve fuel economy in urban driving conditions. The eight-speed automatic transmission, sourced from Aisin, provides smooth and efficient gear changes. This transmission was chosen for its ability to balance performance with fuel economy, offering a wider range of gear ratios compared to older automatic designs.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5-liter diesel with the eight-speed automatic delivers adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 10.8 seconds, and top speed is 114.33 mph. The automatic transmission is well-tuned for everyday driving, providing smooth shifts and responsive acceleration. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the same engine, the automatic offers greater convenience, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. However, it does slightly diminish fuel economy and responsiveness. Compared to higher-output diesel variants (if offered in the Combo Life range), this 130 hp version prioritizes fuel efficiency over outright performance, making it well-suited for family transport and light commercial use.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Combo Life XL E 1.5d Automatic typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and basic safety features like ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels offered additional features such as a larger touchscreen, navigation system, rear parking sensors, cruise control, and upgraded interior upholstery. The seven-seat configuration was a key selling point, making it a practical choice for larger families. Optional extras included panoramic sunroof, alloy wheels, and various driver-assistance systems.
Chassis & Braking
The Combo Life XL E utilizes a conventional front-wheel-drive layout with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a reasonably smooth ride, although it can feel somewhat bouncy when fully loaded. Braking is handled by disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, providing enhanced braking performance and stability. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Combo Life XL E 1.5d Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and versatile family vehicle. Its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride were praised. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded or when climbing steep hills. Compared to other compact minivans in the European market, such as the Volkswagen Caddy and Renault Kangoo, the Combo Life offered a competitive combination of price, space, and features. Its fuel economy was comparable to other diesel-powered rivals, and its reliability was generally considered to be good.
Legacy
The 1.5-liter diesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission combination has proven to be relatively reliable in the Combo Life XL E. While diesel engines, in general, can be more susceptible to issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) if primarily used for short journeys, the Combo Life’s engine has generally demonstrated good durability. On the used car market, these models represent a good value proposition for buyers seeking a spacious, fuel-efficient, and practical family vehicle. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and DPF servicing, is crucial to ensure the long-term reliability of this powertrain.
